Metering system for use in conjunction with a water-conducting household appliance such as a washing machine, dishwasher, clothes dryer or the like

ABSTRACT

A dispensing system includes at least one reservoir for storing a plurality of flowable preparations, at least one dispenser, which is couplable with a reservoir and which does not include any connection to a water-conveying line of the water-conveying domestic appliance, at least one sensor, which at least detects the presence of water in the water-conveying domestic appliance and/or the operation of the water-conveying domestic appliance, at least one pump or vibratory atomizer for delivering or releasing preparation from the reservoir or dispenser, at least one control unit, which cooperates with the sensor and the pump or vibratory atomizer such that, if a defined sensor signal is present, at least one preparation is delivered from the reservoir or dispenser, and at least one fluid line, which connects the reservoir or the dispenser with the treatment compartment of the water-conveying domestic appliance, such that a preparation may be supplied from the dispenser positioned outside the treatment compartment of the water-conveying domestic appliance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a dispensing system for use in conjunction with a water-conveying domestic appliance such as a washing machine, dishwasher, washer/dryer or the like, which system is intended for positioning outside the treatment compartment of the water-conveying domestic appliance and which does not comprise any connection to a water-conveying line of the water-conveying domestic appliance. In particular, the invention relates to a dispensing system with at least one fluid line which connects the dispensing system with the treatment compartment of the water-conveying domestic appliance via an orifice which is connected with the treatment compartment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automatic washing and dishwashing agents are available to consumers in numerous presentations. These automatic washing and dishwashing agents are typically offered for sale to the consumer in solid form, for example as a powder or as tablets, but increasingly also in liquid or gel form. For some considerable time, attention has focused on convenient dispensing of washing and cleaning agents and on simplifying the operations required to carry out a washing or cleaning method.

Furthermore, one of the main objectives of manufacturers of automatic washing and cleaning agents is to improve the washing and cleaning performance of these agents, increasing attention having been paid in recent times to washing and cleaning performance in low temperature washing and cleaning cycles or in washing and cleaning cycles with reduced water consumption. To this end, new ingredients, for example more highly active surfactants, polymers, enzymes or bleaching agents have been added to the washing and cleaning agents. However, since new ingredients are only available to a limited extent and the quantity of the ingredients used per washing and cleaning cycle cannot be increased at will for environmental and economic reasons, there are natural limits to this approach to solving the problem.

In this connection, devices for multiple dispensing of washing and cleaning agents have recently in particular come to the attention of product developers. In terms of these devices, a distinction may be drawn between dispensing chambers integrated into the dishwashing machine or washing machine, on the one hand, and separate devices independent of the dishwashing machine or washing machine, on the other hand. These devices, which contain a multiple of the quantity of washing or cleaning agent required to carry out a washing or cleaning method, automatically or semi-automatically dispense washing or cleaning agent portions into the interior of the water-conveying domestic appliance over the course of a plurality of successive washing or cleaning methods. For the consumer, manual dispensing for each cleaning or washing cycle is no longer necessary. Examples of such devices are described in European patent application EP 1 759 624 A2 (Reckitt Benckiser) or in German patent application DE 53 5005 062 479 A1 (BSH Bosch and Siemens Hausgerate GmbH).

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a dispensing system for a water-conveying domestic appliance which provides improved dispensing of a plurality of preparations into the treatment compartment of the water-conveying domestic appliance.

Said object is achieved according to the invention by a dispensing system with the features of claim 1 and by a method for releasing preparations into the interior of a water-conveying domestic appliance with the features of claim 16.

Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A dispensing system (1) for use in conjunction with a water-conveying domestic appliance (2) such as a washing machine, dishwasher, washer/dryer or the like, comprising at least one reservoir (3 a, 3 b, 3 c) for storing a plurality of dispensing portions of at least one flowable preparation (4 a, 4 b, 4 c); at least one dispenser (5 a, 5 b, 5 c), which is couplable with a reservoir (3 a, 3 b, 3 c) and which is intended for positioning outside the treatment compartment (6) of the water-conveying domestic appliance (2) and which does not comprise any connection to a water-conveying line of the water-conveying domestic appliance (2); at least one sensor, which at least detects the presence of water in the water-conveying domestic appliance; at least one pump or vibratory atomizer for delivering or releasing preparation from the reservoir or dispenser; at least one control unit, which cooperates with the sensor and the pump or vibratory atomizer such that, if a defined sensor signal is present, which represents the presence of water and/or the operation of the water-conveying domestic appliance, at least one preparation is delivered from the reservoir or dispenser by means of the pump or vibratory atomizer; and at least one fluid line (7, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c), which connects the reservoir (3 a, 3 b, 3 c) or the dispenser (5 a, 5 b, 5 c) with the treatment compartment (6) of the water-conveying domestic appliance (2), such that a preparation (4 a, 4 b, 4 c) may be supplied from the dispenser (5 a, 5 b, 5 c) positioned outside the treatment compartment (6) of the water-conveying domestic appliance (2) via an orifice (8, 8 a, 8 b, 8 c, 9, 10, 10 a, 10 b, 10 c) of the water-conveying domestic appliance (2) connected with the treatment compartment (6) into the treatment compartment (6) of the water-conveying domestic appliance (2).

A method of releasing preparations into the interior of a water-conveying domestic appliance comprising; at least one dispenser with at least one sensor, which is suitable for detecting the presence of water in the interior of the washing machine and; at least one reservoir couplable with the dispenser, the reservoir comprising at least three chambers and/or at least three reservoirs being provided, which contain different flowable preparations, the first chamber storing at least one enzyme, one enzyme stabilizer and one surfactant, the second chamber either storing at least one bleach and/or one complexing agent or the second chamber storing at least one protease and at least one surfactant and/or complexing agent, the third chamber storing at least one scent and/or one optical brightener and; dispensing from the first chamber occurs in the presence of at least one sensor signal which represents the presence of water in the interior of the washing machine; and dispensing from the second chamber is triggered after a predefined time of between 0.1 s and 30 min, preferably of between 0.5 min and 15 min, after dispensing from the first cartridge chamber has taken place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and

FIG. 1 shows a dispensing system for a washing machine with a fluid line opening into the dispensing drawer of the washing machine;

FIG. 2 shows a dispensing system for a washing machine with fluid lines opening into the dispensing drawer of the washing machine;

FIG. 3 shows a dispensing system for a washing machine with a plurality of dispensers;

FIG. 4 shows an adapter for coupling the dispensing system with a dispensing drawer of a washing machine;

FIG. 5 shows a dispensing system for a washing machine with a fluid line which is guided through the washing machine door into the treatment compartment;

FIG. 6 shows a washing machine with an interface for the dispensing system according to the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic sectional view of the dispensing system with reservoirs on the suction side of the pump; and

FIG. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of the dispensing system with reservoirs on the pressure side of the pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the invention.

The dispensing system according to the invention for use in conjunction with a water-conveying domestic appliance such as a washing machine, dishwasher, washer/dryer or the like comprises

-   -   at least one reservoir for storing a plurality of dispensing         portions of at least one flowable preparation,     -   at least one dispenser,         -   which is couplable to a reservoir and         -   which is intended for positioning outside the treatment             compartment of the water-conveying domestic appliance and         -   which does not comprise any connection to a water-conveying             line of the water-conveying domestic appliance     -   at least one sensor, which at least detects the presence of         water in the water-conveying domestic appliance,     -   at least one pump which delivers preparation from the reservoir         or dispenser,     -   least one control unit which cooperates with the sensor and the         pump such that, if a defined sensor signal is present, at least         one preparation is delivered from the reservoir or dispenser by         means of the pump, and     -   at least one fluid line which connects the reservoir or the         dispenser with the treatment compartment of the water-conveying         domestic appliance, such that a preparation may be supplied from         the dispenser positioned outside the treatment compartment of         the water-conveying domestic appliance via an orifice of the         water-conveying domestic appliance which is connected with the         treatment compartment into the treatment compartment of the         water-conveying domestic appliance.

The dispensing system according to the invention may be used with existing water-conveying domestic appliances without existing water-conveying domestic appliances requiring structural modification. It is furthermore possible to integrate the dispensing system into the water-conveying domestic appliance in such a manner that the fluid line extends invisibly to the user within the water-conveying domestic appliance. Moreover, the dispensing system, in particular the reservoir which contains preparation, is positioned outside the treatment compartment, such that it is not exposed to any mechanical, hydraulic or thermal influences which conventionally prevail in a treatment compartment (rotating laundry drum, hot water, steam etc.).

The dispensing system in particular permits accurate dispensing which is appropriate to the circumstances, in particular of preparations which are not stable when stored together. The invention makes it possible to supply liquid washing agent preparation to a washing process with an optimal time delay, such that excellent washing performance may be achieved combined with minimum utilization of raw materials, in particular with regard to enzymatically degradable and bleachable soiling in conjunction with very attractive perfuming on the laundry.

Dispenser

The dispensing system according to the invention comprises a dispenser and at least one reservoir couplable with the dispenser and containing at least one flowable preparation, preferably with a plurality of chambers, particularly preferably with 3-4 chambers.

The dispenser is configured such that it is capable of dispensing a plurality of preparations from the chambers of a reservoir and/or from a plurality of reservoirs into the interior of a washing machine. To this end, at least one actuator and/or at least one closing element and/or at least one control unit and/or at least one sensor and/or at least one energy source may be provided in the dispenser.

The dispenser may be an installed part of a water-conveying domestic appliance.

In a preferred development of the invention, the dispenser is not an installed part of the water-conveying domestic appliance, but is instead positionable by a user in freely mobile manner in or on a water-conveying domestic appliance.

It is particularly preferred for the dispenser to comprise at least one first interface which interacts with a corresponding interface provided in or on a water-conveying domestic appliance such that electrical energy and/or signals is/are transferred from the water-conveying domestic appliance to the dispenser and/or from the dispenser to the water-conveying domestic appliance.

In one development of the invention, the interfaces take the form of plug-in connectors. In a further development, the interfaces may be configured such that electrical energy and/or electrical and/or optical signals are transferred wirelessly.

It is here particularly preferred for the interfaces provided for transferring electrical energy to be inductive transmitters and receivers of electromagnetic waves. The interface of a water-conveying domestic appliance may accordingly in particular be configured as an AC-operated transmitter coil with an iron core and the dispenser interface may be configured as a receiver coil with an iron core.

In an alternative embodiment, the transfer of electrical energy may also be provided by means of an interface which comprises, on the domestic appliance side, an electrically operated light source and, on the dispenser side, a light sensor, for example a photodiode or a solar cell. The light emitted by the light source is converted into electricity in the light sensor, which is then in turn stored, for example, by a storage battery on the dispenser side.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, an interface is provided on the dispenser and the water-conveying domestic appliance for transferring (i.e. transmitting and receiving) electromagnetic and/or optical signals, which in particular represent operating state, measurement and/or control information of the dispenser and/or of the water-conveying domestic appliance.

It is, of course, possible only to provide an interface for transferring signals or an interface for transferring electrical energy or in each case to provide an interface for transferring signals and an interface for transferring electrical energy or to provide an interface which is suitable for transferring both electrical energy and signals.

Such an interface may in particular be constructed such that electrical energy and/or electromagnetic and/or optical signals is/are transferred wirelessly.

It is particularly preferred for the interface to be configured for emitting and/or receiving optical signals. It is very particularly preferred for the interface to be configured for emitting or receiving light in the visible range. It has proved particularly advantageous to use wavelengths of between 600-800 nm in the visible spectrum.

Alternatively or in addition, it is advantageous for the interface to be configured for emitting or receiving infrared signals. It is particularly advantageous for the interface to be configured for emitting or receiving infrared signals in the near infrared range (780 nm-3000 nm).

In particular, the interface comprises at least one LED. Particularly preferably, the interface comprises at least two LEDs. It is also possible according to a further preferred development of the invention to provide at least two LEDs, which emit light at different wavelengths. This makes it possible, for example, to define different signal bands on which information may respectively be transmitted or received.

In addition, it is advantageous, in a further development of the invention, for at least one LED to be an RGB LED, the wavelength of which is adjustable. Thus, for example, different signal bands which emit signals on different wavelengths may be defined with one LED.

It is particularly preferable for an optical signal to be configured as a signal pulse with a pulse duration of between 1 ms and 10 seconds, preferably between 5 ms and 100 ms.

The signal emitted and/or received by the interface in particular bears information, in particular being a control signal or a signal which represents an operating state of the dispenser and/or of the water-conveying domestic appliance.

In an advantageous further development of the invention the dispenser may comprise at least one optical receive unit. This for example makes it possible for the dispenser to receive signals from an optical transmit unit arranged in the water-conveying domestic appliance. This may be achieved by any suitable optical receive unit, such as for example photocells, photomultipliers, semiconductor detectors, photodiodes, photoresistors, solar cells, phototransistors, CCD and/or CMOS image sensors.

It is particularly preferred for the optical receive unit to be suitable for receiving light in the wavelength range from 600-800 mm

In particular, the optical receive unit on the dispenser may also be constructed such that the signals from the transmit unit incouplable into a cartridge coupled with the dispenser are outcouplable from the cartridge and are detectable by the optical receive unit of the dispenser.

The signals emitted by the transmit unit into the surrounding environment of the dispenser may preferably represent information with regard to operating states or control commands.

In a preferred development, the dispenser is arranged outside the washing machine. The dispenser may be constructed such that it is couplable to a reservoir and is intended for positioning outside the treatment compartment of the water-conveying domestic appliance and which does not comprise any connection to a water-conveying line of the water-conveying domestic appliance. Such a dispenser furthermore comprises at least one sensor which at least detects the presence of water in the water-conveying domestic appliance and/or the operation of a water-conveying domestic appliance, at least one pump which delivers preparation from the reservoir or dispenser, at least one control unit which cooperates with the sensor and the pump such that, if a defined sensor signal is present, at least one preparation is delivered from the reservoir or dispenser by means of the pump, together with at least one fluid line which connects the reservoir or the dispenser with the treatment compartment of the water-conveying domestic appliance, such that a preparation may be supplied from the dispenser positioned outside the treatment compartment of the water-conveying domestic appliance via an orifice of the water-conveying domestic appliance which is connected with the treatment compartment into the treatment compartment of the water-conveying domestic appliance.

Sensor

For the purposes of the present application, a sensor is a measured variable pickup or detecting element, which may detect specific physical or chemical properties and/or the material nature of its surrounding environment qualitatively or quantitatively as a measured variable.

The dispensing system preferably comprises at least one sensor, which is suitable for detecting a temperature. The temperature sensor is designed in particular to detect a water temperature.

It is furthermore preferred for the dispensing system to comprise a sensor for detecting conductivity, whereby in particular the presence, inflow and/or spraying of water in a water-conveying domestic appliance is/are detected.

In order to avoid polarization at the contacts of a conductivity sensor when a direct current source is used, which impairs sensor accuracy, it is advantageous to carry out two successive resistance measurements at the conductivity sensor with in each case different polarities, i.e. with reversal of the plus and minus poles, such that no charge excesses can form at the contacts.

In particular, a sensor may be selected from the group of timers, temperature sensors, infrared sensors, brightness sensors, motion sensors, strain sensors, rotational speed sensors, proximity sensors, flow sensors, color sensors, gas sensors, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, conductivity sensors, turbidity sensors, instantaneous acoustic pressure sensors, “lab-on-a-chip” sensors, force sensors, acceleration sensors, inclination sensors, pH sensors, moisture sensors, magnetic field sensors, RFID sensors, Hall sensors, biochips, odor sensors, hydrogen sulfide sensors, position sensors, gyro sensors, optical, electrical and/or mechanical displacement sensors and/or MEMS sensors.

It is particularly preferable for at least two sensor units to be provided in or on the dispensing system for measuring different parameters, one sensor unit very particularly preferably being a conductivity sensor and a further sensor unit very particularly preferably being a temperature sensor.

The sensors are in particular adjusted for detecting the start, progress and finish of a treatment program of a water-conveying domestic appliance, such as for example a washing or rinsing program. By way of non-exhaustive examples, the sensor combinations listed in the following table may be used for this purpose:

Sensor 1 Sensor 2 Sensor 3 Sensor 4 Conductivity sensor Temperature sensor Conductivity sensor Temperature sensor Conductivity sensor Temperature sensor Brightness sensor Conductivity sensor Temperature sensor Brightness sensor Turbidity sensor Acoustic sensor Temperature sensor Acoustic sensor Conductivity sensor Vibration sensor Conductivity sensor Vibration sensor Temperature sensor

Using the conductivity sensor, it is possible, for example, to detect whether the conductivity sensor has been wetted with water, such that it may for example thereby be established whether water is in or is flowing into the washing machine.

Treatment programs in water-conveying domestic appliances, such as for example washing and rinsing programs generally have a characteristic temperature profile, determined among other things by the heating of the washing or rinsing water, which may be detected by a temperature sensor.

A brightness sensor may be used, for example, to detect the incidence of light into the interior of a dishwasher when the dishwashing machine door is opened, from which it may for example be concluded that the washing program has come to an end.

Using a vibration sensor, it is possible, for example, to detect natural vibration frequencies or resonance of a domestic appliance with a rotating treatment compartment when, for example, the washing drum is accelerated to rotational speeds which are appropriate for spinning the washing. It is thus conceivable to detect the start or finish of a spin cycle by means of a vibration sensor.

A turbidity sensor may also be provided to determine the degree of soiling of the items to be washed in the washing machine or dishwasher. This for example also allows selection of a dispensing system dispensing program which is appropriate for the identified soiling situation.

It is also feasible to detect the progress of a water-conveying domestic appliance treatment program with the assistance of at least one acoustic sensor, specific sound and/or vibration emissions being detected, for example when water is pumped in or out.

It goes without saying that it is possible for a person skilled in the art to use any desired, suitable combinations of a number of sensors to achieve monitoring of a water-conveying domestic appliance treatment program.

The data line between sensor and control unit may take the form of an electrically conductive cable or may assume a cable-less form. In principle it is also conceivable for at least one sensor to be positioned or positionable outside the dispensing system in the interior of a water-conveying domestic appliance, such as for example in the treatment compartment, and for a data line, in particular a cable-less data line, to be provided for transmitting measured data from the sensor to the dispensing system. A cable-less data line is achieved in particular by the transfer of electromagnetic waves or light. It is preferable for a cable-less data line to be configured to standards such as for example Bluetooth, IrDA, IEEE 802, GSM, UMTS etc.

It is preferred for at least one sensor to be arranged on the distal end protruding into the treatment compartment of the fluid line. The sensor is in particular configured such that it is suitable for detecting operation of the water-conveying domestic appliance and/or inflow of water into the water-conveying domestic appliance. The sensor on the distal end protruding into the treatment compartment of the fluid line is in particular a conductivity sensor and/or a temperature sensor and/or an acoustic or vibration sensor.

Pump

The dispensing system according to the invention preferably comprises at least one pump and/or at least one atomizer or nebulizer for delivering or releasing preparation from the dispensing system into the treatment compartment of a water-conveying domestic appliance.

For the purposes of the present application, a pump is a fluid power machine for moving or delivering a fluid by converting mechanical drive power into flow power. Fluids are understood below to be liquids and gases, and mixtures thereof and with solids.

The pump may be selected from the group of positive-displacement pumps, oscillatory pumps, diaphragm pumps, piston pumps, rotary pumps, dynamic pumps, centrifugal pumps, electrohydrodynamic pumps, electroosmotic pumps, magnetohydrodynamic pumps, surface acoustic wave pumps, capillary pumps, electrowetting pumps, thermocapillary pumps

In particular in the case of preparations which have a tendency to form deposits on extended storage, it may be advantageous, in order to prevent such preparations from damaging the pump, to arrange the reservoir which contains preparation on the pressure side of the pump. In this configuration, a fluid, such as for example air, which contains no deposit-fanning substances, is delivered by the pump under pressure into a reservoir which contains preparation. The container may for example comprise a pressure equalizing valve which, when a defined pressure in the reservoir is exceeded, permits the product to flow out of the reservoir or out of the dispensing system. In this way it is in particular possible to use the dispensing system for the most varied preparations, without jeopardizing the functionality of the pump by possible deposits or reactions between two preparations.

Vibratory Atomizer

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispensing system comprises at least one vibratory atomizer, by means of which it is possible to convert a preparation into the gas phase or keep it in the gas phase. It is thus conceivable, for example, to use the vibratory atomizer to vaporize, nebulize and/or atomize preparations, whereby the preparation is converted into the gas phase or forms an aerosol in the gas phase, the gas phase conventionally being air.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous when using a washing machine in which corresponding release of preparation into the gas phase takes place in a closable washing compartment. The preparation introduced into the gas phase may be distributed uniformly about the washing compartment and be deposited on the items to be washed located in the washing machine.

The preparation released by the vibratory atomizer may be selected from the group of surfactant-containing preparations, enzyme-containing preparations, odor-neutralizing preparations, biocidal preparations and antibacterial preparations.

In this way, a plurality of advantageous effects may be achieved before the start of a water-releasing washing program in the washing machine. On the one hand, a suitable preparation may suppress the formation of malodors due to biological decomposition processes. On the other hand, an appropriate cleaning preparation may “soften” any soiling which may be stuck to the items being washed, such that it may be easily and completely detached during the washing machine washing program, in particular in the case of low temperature programs.

It is additionally possible to apply a preparation onto the items being washed by means of the vibratory atomizer after completion of a washing program. In this case the preparation may for example be a preparation with antibacterial action or a preparation for modifying textile surfaces.

It is moreover preferable for the vibratory atomizer to take the form of a piezoelectric element.

It is very particularly preferred to configure and operate a piezoelectric element as both an acoustic or vibration sensor and an atomizer or nebulizer in a single component. To this end, the dispenser may be configured such that a control unit is provided which is connected to the energy source, a sensor unit, a release element and an acoustic transducer, wherein

-   -   the sensor unit is a piezoelectric element which is suitable for         picking up oscillations, in particular sound waves in a         frequency range of 1 kHz-300 kHz, preferably of 20-25 kHz,         and/or structure-borne noise from the surrounding environment of         the dispenser and converting them into a sensor signal, which is         converted in the control unit into a control signal, in         particular for the release element,     -   the release element is a piezoelectric element which is supplied         with electrical signals from the control unit and sprays at         least one first preparation from at least one cartridge chamber         which is connected in communicating manner with the release         element,     -   the sensor unit and the release element are constructed as a         single component.

It is very particularly preferred for the electrical signals which bring about spraying of a preparation to have a frequency of 70-400 kHz, preferably of 80-90 kHz.

It is extremely preferred to configure and operate a piezoelectric element as both an acoustic or vibration sensor, atomizer or nebulizer and acoustic transducer in a single component. To this end, the dispenser may be configured such that a control unit is provided which is connected to the energy source, a sensor unit, a release element and an acoustic transducer, wherein

-   -   the sensor unit is a piezoelectric element which is suitable for         picking up oscillations, in particular sound waves in a         frequency range of 1 kHz-300 kHz, preferably of 20-25 kHz,         and/or structure-borne noise from the surrounding environment of         the dispenser and converting them into a sensor signal, which is         converted in the control unit into a control signal, in         particular for the release element,     -   the release element is a piezoelectric element which is supplied         with electrical signals from the control unit and sprays at         least one first preparation from at least one cartridge chamber         which is connected in communicating manner with the release         element,     -   the acoustic transducer is a piezoelectric element which is         supplied with electrical signals from the control unit, which         electrical signals are converted by the piezoelectric element         into audible acoustic signals in a frequency range of 20 Hz to         20 kHz, preferably of 5-15 kHz, particularly preferably of 7-10         kHz and     -   the sensor unit, the release element and the acoustic transducer         are constructed as a single component.

It is very particularly preferred for the electrical signals which bring about spraying of a preparation to have a frequency of 70-400 kHz, preferably of 80-90 kHz, and for the electrical signals which bring about the generation of an audible acoustic signal to have a frequency of 20 Hz-20 kHz, preferably of 5-15 kHz and particularly preferably of 7-10 kHz.

The electrical signals which bring about spraying of a preparation and the generation of an audible acoustic signal may be supplied to the piezoelectric element by the control unit simultaneously and/or with a time delay.

The above-described piezoelectric element thus gives rise to a method for operating a dispensing system, comprising that:

-   a. a sensor unit which is a piezoelectric element picks up     oscillations, in particular sound waves in a frequency range of 1     kHz-300 kHz, preferably of 20-25 kHz and/or structure-borne noise     from the surrounding environment of the release device and converts     them into a sensor signal, -   b. a release element which is a piezoelectric element is supplied     with electrical signals from the control unit in the presence of a     defined sensor signal which in particular represents the presence of     water and/or operation of the washing machine, such that at least     one first preparation is sprayed and/or nebulized from at least one     cartridge chamber which is connected in communicating manner with     the release element, in particular into the interior of the washing     machine, preferably into the treatment compartment of the washing     machine, -   c. an acoustic transducer which is a piezoelectric element is     supplied with electrical signals from the control unit before and/or     during and/or after spraying of the preparation, which electrical     signals are converted by the piezoelectric element into audible     acoustic signals in a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, preferably     of 5-15 kHz, particularly preferably of 7-10 kHz.

The piezoelectric element is particularly preferably configured such that it detects the natural frequency or a multiple of the natural frequency of the washing machine, in particular during spinning operations.

The preparation released by the piezoelectric atomizer may in particular be selected from the group of surfactant-containing preparations, enzyme-containing preparations, odor-neutralizing preparations, biocidal preparations and antibacterial preparations.

It is preferred for all the preparations to be dispensed by means of one vibratory atomizer. It is, however, also conceivable for each preparation in each case to be dispensed by a vibratory atomizer assigned to the corresponding preparation.

It is, of course, possible to dispense one preparation by means of a vibratory atomizer and another preparation by means of a pump, a valve or by gravity actuation into the interior of a water-conveying domestic appliance. A person skilled in the art will here select a suitable combination of the listed release elements for the corresponding preparations.

Reservoir

For the purposes of the present application, a reservoir is understood to be a packaging means which is suitable for enclosing or holding together at least one flowable preparation and is couplable to a dispenser for releasing at least one preparation.

The reservoir is intended for storing a plurality of dispensing portions of at least one flowable preparation. The reservoir is preferably configured for storing 10 to 50, particularly preferably 15 to 30, very particularly preferably 20 to 25 dispensing portions.

The reservoir preferably comprises at least three, preferably dimensionally stable, chambers for storing different preparations. It is here preferred for each of the chambers to be configured for storing 10 to 50, particularly preferably 15 to 30, very particularly preferably 20 to 25 dispensing portions.

In the simplest conceivable embodiment, the reservoir comprises a single, preferably dimensionally stable, chamber for storing a preparation. In particular, a reservoir may also comprise a plurality of chambers which may be filled with different preparations.

It is advantageous for the reservoir to comprise at least one outlet orifice which is arranged such that gravity-actuated release of preparation from the reservoir may be brought about in the service position of the dispenser. In this way, no further delivery means are required for release of preparation from the cartridge, whereby the structure of the dispenser may be kept simple and manufacturing costs low. It is moreover possible to dispense with the use of delivery means, such as for example pumps.

In a preferred development of the invention, at least one second chamber is provided for accommodating at least one second preparation, the second chamber comprising at least one outlet orifice which is arranged such that gravity-actuated product release from the second chamber may be brought about in the service position of the dispenser. The arrangement of a second chamber is particularly advantageous when preparations are stored in the mutually separate chambers of the cartridge which are not conventionally stable when stored together, such as for example bleaching agents and enzymes.

It is also conceivable for more than two, in particular three to four chambers to be provided in or on a reservoir. In particular, one of the chambers may also be configured for releasing volatile preparations such as for instance a scent into the surrounding environment.

In a further development of the invention the reservoir is of single-part construction. In this way, the reservoir may be produced inexpensively in a single production step, in particular by suitable blow molding methods. The chambers of a reservoir may in this case be separated from one another for example by webs or material bridges, which are formed during or after blow molding.

The reservoir may also be of multipart construction, being made of components which are produced by injection molding and then assembled.

In addition it is conceivable for the reservoir to be of multipart construction such that at least one chamber, preferably all the chambers, may be individually removed from or inserted into the dispenser. This makes it possible to replace an already empty chamber, if particularly heavy use is made of a preparation from one chamber, while the others, which may still be full of preparation, remain in the dispenser. In this way, the individual chambers or their preparations may be replenished in a targeted manner appropriate to the circumstances. It is additionally conceivable to construct the individual chambers in such a way that the chambers may only be coupled together or with the dispenser in a specific position or place, so preventing a user from connecting a chamber with the dispenser in a position not intended for said chamber. To this end, the chamber walls may in particular be formed in such a way that they may be connected together interlockingly. It is particularly advantageous, in the case of a reservoir formed of at least three chambers, to form the reservoirs such that the chambers may only be connected together interlockingly in a given defined position relative to one another.

The chambers of a reservoir may be fixed to one another by suitable connection methods, such that a container unit is produced. The chambers may be detachably or nondetachably fixed to one another by a suitable interlocking, frictional or bonded connection. In particular, fixing may be effected by one or more of the connection types from the group of snap-in connections, hook-and-loop connections, press connections, melt connections, adhesive connections, welded connections, brazed connections, screw connections, keyed connections, clamped connections or rebound connections. In particular, fixing may also be provided by a heat-shrinkable sleeve, which is drawn in the heated state over all or parts of the reservoir and firmly envelops the chambers or the reservoir in the cooled state.

In particular, the reservoir may also be of asymmetric construction. It is particularly preferred to make the asymmetry of the reservoir such that the reservoir is only couplable with the dispenser in a predefined position, so preventing incorrect operation by the user which would otherwise be possible.

A dispensing chamber may be constructed in or on a chamber upstream of a chamber's outlet orifice in the gravity-actuated direction of flow of the preparation. The dispensing chamber determines the quantity of preparation which, on release of preparation from the chamber, is to be released into the surrounding environment. This is particularly advantageous if the closing element of the dispenser, which effects release of the preparation from a chamber into the surrounding environment, may only be put in a release state and a closed state without the quantity released being measured or monitored. The dispensing chamber then ensures that a predefined quantity of preparation is released without direct feedback of the outflowing quantity of preparation currently being released.

In a first preferable embodiment, a reservoir is provided with a plurality of chambers which preferably contain different preparations.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of reservoirs, which in each case store different preparations, are coupled with the dispenser.

It is also conceivable for a plurality of dispensers to be coupled with in each case at least one reservoir, different preparations being dispensed from each of the dispensers.

Fluid Line

The dispensing system according to the invention comprises at least one fluid line which connects the reservoir or the dispenser with the treatment compartment of the water-conveying domestic appliance, such that a preparation may be supplied from the dispenser positioned outside the treatment compartment of the water-conveying domestic appliance via an orifice of the water-conveying domestic appliance which is connected with the treatment compartment into the treatment compartment of the water-conveying domestic appliance.

It is particularly preferred for a fluid line in each case to be present for each preparation.

The fluid line may for example take the form of a flexible tube. It is however also conceivable to provide the fluid line as a dimensionally stable duct.

In a first preferable embodiment of the dispensing system according to the invention, the orifice of the water-conveying domestic appliance which is connected with the treatment compartment is the dispensing drawer of a washing machine

It is here in particular advantageous to provide an adapter, by means of which the fluid line is couplable with the dispensing drawer of a washing machine.

In a further development of the invention, the orifice of the water-conveying domestic appliance which is connected with the treatment compartment is the washing machine or dishwasher door.

It is finally also conceivable for the orifice which is connected with the treatment compartment to take the form of an interface between the water-conveying domestic appliance and the dispensing system.

Control Unit

A control unit for the purposes of the present application is a device which is suitable for influencing the transport of material, energy and/or information. To this end, the control unit acts on at least one actuator with the assistance of information, in particular sensor unit measurement signals, which it processes for the purposes of the control objective. In particular, at least one sensor is connected to the control unit, it being particularly preferred for the sensor to supply a signal to the control unit which for example represents the presence of water in the washing machine and/or operation of the washing machine.

The control unit may in particular comprise a programmable microprocessor. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of dispensing programs are stored in the microprocessor which in a particularly preferred configuration may be selected and executed depending on the container coupled to the dispenser.

In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is not connected to any controller which may be present in the domestic appliance. Accordingly, no information, in particular electrical, optical or electromagnetic signals, is exchanged directly between the control unit and the controller of the domestic appliance.

In an alternative development of the invention the control unit is coupled to the existing controller of the domestic appliance. This coupling is preferably cable-less. It is possible, for example, to position a transmitter on or in a dishwashing machine, preferably on or at the dispensing chamber set into the door of the dishwashing machine, which transmits a signal wirelessly to the dispensing unit if the controller of the domestic appliance brings about dispensing for example of a cleaning agent from the dispensing chamber or of rinse aid.

Release of preparations from the dispenser may proceed, controlled by the control unit, in sequence or simultaneously.

It is particularly preferable to dispense a plurality of preparations in sequence in a rinsing program. The dispensing sequences which are explained in greater detail below are in particular to be preferred.

Dispensing Sequences

It is preferred for the sensor to provide a signal which represents the presence of water and/or operation of a water-conveying domestic appliance, such as a washing machine, said signal triggering dispensing of at least one first preparation into the treatment compartment for example of a washing machine.

The sensor signal may in particular be provided by means of a conductivity sensor, temperature sensor, acoustic sensor, vibration sensor, motion sensor and/or turbidity sensor and by any desired combination of the above-stated sensors.

One particularly preferred method for controlling a dispenser for use in the dispensing system according to the invention comprises a dispenser with at least one temperature sensor and/or a conductivity sensor, it being possible to arrange the temperature sensor and/or conductivity sensor in and/or on and/or outside the dispenser, and a release means for releasing a preparation from the dispenser into the interior of the dishwashing machine, said method comprising the measurement of a first resistance R, in which when the condition R<R_(Ref) prevails, R_(Ref) being a predefined reference resistance which represents the presence of water on the conductivity sensor, at least one volume V1 of a first preparation is released from the dispenser into the interior of the water-conveying domestic appliance.

According to one extremely preferable development of the method for controlling the dispenser, measurement of a first temperature T₁ in the interior of the water-conveying domestic appliance by means of the temperature sensor and measurement of the resistance R on the conductivity sensor, in which when the condition T₁>T_(Ref1) prevails, T_(Ref1) being a predefined, first reference temperature which amounts to at least 21° C., preferably at least 30° C., and in which when the condition R<R_(Ref) prevails, R_(Ref) being a predefined reference resistance which represents the presence of water on the conductivity sensor, [effect] release of at least one volume V1 of a first preparation from the dispenser into the interior of the water-conveying domestic appliance.

The use of temperature and conductivity information inter alia prevents the dispenser from initiating an unwanted dispensing operation in a hot surrounding environment, for example during transport, which could happen were only temperature information used to the control the dispenser.

Temperature T₁ and resistance R on the conductivity sensor may be measured in succession or simultaneously. It is preferred for firstly temperature T₁ and subsequently resistance R to be measured. It is, however, also conceivable to measure resistance R first and then temperature T₁.

Furthermore, when the above-stated conditions prevail, it is also possible to dispense more than one volume V1 of a preparation from the dispenser into the interior of the water-conveying domestic appliance. For example, it is also possible to dispense a first volume V1 of a first preparation and a second volume V2 of a second preparation substantially simultaneously, it being particularly preferred for the preparations to differ from one another.

It is particularly preferred to configure the method such that, when the conditions T₁>T_(Ref1) and R<R_(Ref) prevail, a temperature measurement of a second temperature T₂ is carried out after a predefined time interval t_(dif), in particular after 10-600 s, preferably after 30-240 s, particularly preferably 45-100 s by means of the temperature sensor and, if the condition T₂>T₁+ΔT applies, ΔT being within the limits of the function range (0.5 [° C./min]*t_(dif) [min]) to (5 [° C./min]*t_(dif) [min]), at least one volume V1 of a first preparation is released from the dispenser into the interior of the water-conveying domestic appliance. A temperature rise occurring during the heating phase of the water-conveying domestic appliance, in particular in the prerinse/prewash or main rinse/main wash section of a rinsing or washing program, is detected in this manner.

In a further, advantageous development of the method, when the condition T₁≦T_(Ref1) prevails, the first temperature T₁ is remeasured after a predefined time t_(dif), in particular after 2-10 min, preferably after 3-7 min, particularly preferably 4-6 min. In order to minimize energy consumption for temperature monitoring, the temperature is preferably not measured continuously, but at predefined intervals.

It is, however, also conceivable that in the water-conveying domestic appliance, in particular at the start of a cleaning program, the temperature rise of the measured temperature T₁ in the water-conveying domestic appliance is so great after a time interval t_(dif) that a second reference temperature T_(Ref2), which is greater than the first reference temperature T_(Ref1), is exceeded. In the event of such a rapid and significant temperature rise, it is moreover advantageous, when the condition T₁>T_(Ref2) prevails, T_(Ref2) being a second reference temperature which is at least 35° C., preferably at least 40° C., the resistance R is measured on the conductivity sensor and when the condition R<R_(Ref) prevails, R_(Ref) being a predefined reference resistance which represents the presence of water on the conductivity sensor, an immediate release of at least one volume V1 of a first preparation from the dispenser into the interior of the water-conveying domestic appliance is carried out.

In an advantageous further development of the method according to the invention, when the condition R≧R_(Ref) prevails, R_(Ref) being a predefined reference resistance which represents the presence of water on the conductivity sensor, the first temperature T₁ is remeasured after a predefined time t_(dif), in particular after 10-600 s, preferably after 30-240 s, particularly preferably 45-100 s. This time interval is preferably less than or equal to the time interval preceding the measurement of the first temperature T₁ when the condition T₁≦T_(Ref1) prevails. Thus, if a temperature above the first reference temperature T_(Ref1) is measured in the interior of the water-conveying domestic appliance, but with no water on the conductivity sensor, the dispenser is switched into an intensified monitoring mode by shortened monitoring intervals in the measurement of the first temperature T₁, so enabling timely detection of water in the water-conveying domestic appliance due to the shortened monitoring intervals.

It may furthermore be advantageous to provide dispensing of two different preparations with a time delay. This is in particular the case when dispensing two preparations which are not stable when stored together. A further development of the method according to the invention thus provides that, after dispensing the first volume V1, a second volume V2 of a second preparation is dispensed from the dispenser into the interior of the water-conveying domestic appliance, the first preparation differing from the second preparation and there being between the dispensing of V1 and V2 a predefined time interval t_(dif), preferably of between 30 and 300 s, particularly preferably between 60 and 240 s, very particularly preferably between 60 and 150 s.

It is particularly preferred for the first preparation to be an enzyme-containing preparation and the second preparation an alkaline and/or bleach-containing preparation.

It may furthermore be preferred for the first preparation to be a first enzyme-containing preparation and the second preparation a second enzyme-containing preparation, the first and the second enzyme-containing preparations differing from one another.

It is, of course, also conceivable to develop the method according to the invention in such a manner that, once the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 have been dispensed, a third volume V3 of a third preparation is dispensed from the dispenser into the interior of the washing machine, the third preparation differing from the first and the second preparation.

It is here particularly preferred for the third preparation for example to be a scent-containing preparation.

It is moreover preferred for the third volume V3 to be dispensed after the start of a rinse section in a washing program. The start of a rinse section is in particular characterized in that, after completion of the main washing cycle and before the start of the rinse section, there is a water change in the washing machine, during which heated water is conventionally pumped out and cold rinsing water is supplied to the washing process. This may be detected by sensor means, for example by a conductivity measurement in conjunction with a temperature measurement. Other instrumentally detectable parameters which represent such a water change may, of course, also be used.

It is particularly preferred for the third volume V3 to be dispensed with a time delay after 0.5-30 min, preferably 1-20 min, particularly preferably 5-15 min after the start of a rinse section in a washing program.

The quantities released of the first volume V1, the second volume V2 and the third volume V3 are preferably in a ratio of 1:4:1, it being particularly preferred for the first volume V1 to be an enzyme-containing preparation, the second volume V2 an alkaline washing agent preparation and the third volume a scent-containing preparation.

Energy Source

For the purposes of the present application, an energy source is taken to mean a component of the dispensing device which is capable of providing energy which is suitable for operation of the dispensing system or of the dispenser. The energy source is preferably configured such that the dispensing system is autonomous.

The energy source preferably provides electrical energy. The energy source may for example comprise a battery, a storage battery, a mains energy supply, solar cells or the like.

It is particularly advantageous to make the energy source interchangeable, for example in the form of a replaceable battery.

A battery may for example be selected from the group of alkali-manganese batteries, zinc-carbon batteries, nickel-oxyhydroxide batteries, lithium batteries, lithium-iron sulfide batteries, zinc-air batteries, zinc chloride batteries, mercury oxide-zinc batteries and/or silver oxide-zinc batteries.

Examples of suitable storage batteries are lead storage batteries (lead dioxide/lead), nickel-cadmium storage batteries, nickel-metal hydride storage batteries, lithium-ion storage batteries, lithium-polymer storage batteries, alkali-manganese storage batteries, silver-zinc storage batteries, nickel-hydrogen storage batteries, zinc-bromine storage batteries, sodium-nickel chloride storage batteries and/or nickel-iron storage batteries.

The storage battery may in particular be configured in such a way that it is rechargeable by induction.

It is however also conceivable to provide mechanical energy sources consisting of one or more helical springs, torsion springs or torsion bars, bending springs, air/gas springs and/or elastomer springs.

The energy source is dimensioned in such a manner that the dispenser may run through approximately 1000 dispensing cycles before the energy source is exhausted. It is particularly preferable for the energy source to run through between 1 and 1000 dispensing cycles, very particularly preferably between 10 and 500, more preferably between 100 and 300, before the energy source is exhausted.

Preparations

According to a preferred embodiment, the preparations stored in the reservoir or chambers of the reservoirs are flowable, preferably having a viscosity between 10 and 10000 mPa·s (Brookfield RVD-VII viscometer at 20 rpm and 20° C., spindle 3).

According to the invention, the preparations in the chambers or the reservoirs differ from one another. Possible components of the preparations are explained in greater detail below.

Enzymes

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the preparations stored in the cartridge chambers contains at least one enzyme, such as in particular for example from the group of proteases, amylases, catalases, peroxidases, cellulases, mannanase, polyesterases, xylanases, carragenases, perhydrolases, pectinases, pectate lyases, oxidases for example glycose oxidases and/or lipases, and/or enzyme stabilizers, preferably in quantities of 0 to 50 wt. %, preferably 5-30 wt. %, particularly preferably 10-25 wt. % in each case relative to the entire agent.

Enzymes which may in particular be considered are those from the classes of hydrolases such as proteases, esterases, lipases or lipolytically active enzymes, amylases, cellulases or other glycosylhydrolases and mixtures of the stated enzymes. In laundry, all these hydrolases contribute to the removal of stains such as those containing protein, fat or starch and of graying. By removing pilling and microfibrils, cellulases and other glycosylhydrolases may furthermore contribute to color retention and to increasing textile softness. Oxyreductases may also be used for bleaching or for inhibiting color transfer.

Enzymatic active substances isolated from strains of bacteria or fungi such as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Streptomyces griseus and Humicola insolens are particularly suitable. Proteases of the subtilisin type and in particular proteases isolated from Bacillus lentus are preferably used. Enzyme mixtures, for example of protease and amylase or protease and lipase or lipolytically active enzymes or protease and cellulase or of cellulase and lipase or lipolytically active enzymes or of protease, amylase and lipase or lipolytically active enzymes or protease, lipase or lipolytically active enzymes and cellulase, but in particular mixtures containing protease and/or lipase or mixtures with lipolytically active enzymes are of particular interest for this purpose. Examples of such lipolytically active enzymes are the known cutinases. Peroxidases or oxidases have also proved suitable in some cases. Suitable amylases include in particular α-amylases, iso-amylases, pullulanases and pectinases. Cellobiohydrolases, endoglucanases and β-glucosidases, which are also known as cellobiases, or mixtures of these are preferably used as cellulases. Since different types of cellulase may differ in terms of their CMCase and avicelase activities, desired activities may be established by targeted mixing of the cellulases.

Bleach

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the preparations stored in the chambers or reservoirs contains at least one bleach.

Oxidizing agents or bleaches which may be used are any conceivable oxidizing agents, for example perborates, percarbonates, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, dichromate, dithionite, permanganate, chlorine, concentrated sulfuric acid, organic peracids, hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, peroxides, etc.

According to another preferred embodiment, the oxidizing agent is an oxidative bleaching agent, preferably based on oxygen, peroxycarboxylic acids in particular being preferred.

Surfactants

According a further, preferred embodiment of the invention at least one of the preparations stored in the chambers or reservoirs contains at least one surfactant.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one preparation contains at least 0.1 wt. % surfactants. The surfactant content of the total agent preferably amounts to 0.1-60 wt. %.

Glass Corrosion Inhibitors

Glass corrosion inhibitors prevent the occurrence not only of turbidity, streaks and scratches but also of iridescence of the glass surface of glasses as are in particular used for washing machine doors. Preferred glass corrosion inhibitors originate from the group of magnesium and zinc salts and of magnesium and zinc complexes.

At least one zinc salt of an organic carboxylic acid is particularly preferentially used as a glass corrosion inhibitor.

For the purposes of the present invention, the zinc salt content in washing or cleaning agents preferably amounts to between 0.1 to 5 wt. % relative to the total weight of the agent which contains glass corrosion inhibitor.

In addition to the ingredients which have already been stated, the preparations may contain further ingredients which further improve the applicational and/or esthetic properties of the preparation. For the purposes of the present invention, the preparations may additionally contain one or more substances from the group of builders, bleach catalysts, bleach activators, enzyme stabilizers, electrolytes, solvents, pH adjusting agents, perfume carriers, fluorescent agents, dyes, hydrotropes, foam inhibitors, silicone oils, antiredeposition agents, graying inhibitors, shrinkage prevention agents, anticrease agents, dye transfer inhibitors, antimicrobial active substances, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, preservatives, corrosion inhibitors (inter alia glass corrosion inhibitors), antistatic agents, bitter agents, ironing aids, waterproofing and impregnation agents, antiswelling and antislip agents, textile-softening components, complexing agents, scents, optical brighteners, foam inhibitors, UV absorbers and other conditioning agents.

Exemplary Embodiments: Reservoirs

Examples of possible flowable compositions for a plurality of reservoirs, in particular three reservoirs, and/or a plurality of chambers, in particular three chambers, of one or more reservoirs of the dispensing system according to the invention are listed below.

EXAMPLE 1

Example 1 shows in the following table a first assignment of products to three reservoirs and/or chambers of a reservoir. The first chamber is here constructed as the enzyme chamber, the second chamber as the bleach chamber and the third chamber as the scent chamber. Further components of respective chambers are stated in the following table.

Chamber 1 has a substantially neutral pH value between 6 and 8, chamber 2 has a substantially alkaline pH value of 8-12, preferably of 8-11, particularly preferably of 8-10, and chamber 3 has a substantially neutral pH value of between 6 and 8.

Chamber 1 is dispensed in a time interval immediately at the start until 15 min after the start of a washing program. The second chamber is dispensed between 10 and 30 min after the start of a washing program, it being preferred for release from the first chamber and the second chamber not to proceed simultaneously.

It is moreover preferred for there to be a time interval of 0.5-30 min, preferably of 1-15 min, particularly preferably of 5-15 min, between dispensing from the first chamber and the second chamber.

The third chamber is dispensed after the start of a rinse section. The third chamber is preferably dispensed 0.5-30 min, preferably 1-15 min, particularly preferably 5-15 min after the start of a rinse section.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme X Enzyme stabilizer X Bleach X Surfactant X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X pH 6-8 8-12 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 2

Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that chamber 3 additionally contains a component for improving soft handle in the form of at least one surfactant, preferably a cationic surfactant. Suitable polymers may alternatively or additionally be used as textile-softening compounds.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme X Enzyme stabilizer X Bleach X Surfactant X X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X pH 6-8 8-12 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 3

Example 3 differs from Example 1 in that chamber 3 additionally contains an antimicrobial compound, for example a disinfectant. In this connection, an acidic pH value of 1-3 is established in chamber 3.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme X Enzyme stabilizer X Bleach X Surfactant X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X Antimicrobial compound X pH 6-8 8-12 1-3 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 4

Example 4 differs from Example 1 in that chamber 3 additionally contains an optical brightener.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme X Enzyme stabilizer X Bleach X Surfactant X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X Optical brightener X pH 6-8 8-12 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 5

Example 5 differs from Example 1 in that chamber 3 additionally contains an antimicrobial compound, for example a disinfectant, and an optical brightener.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme X Enzyme stabilizer X Bleach X Surfactant X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X Antimicrobial compound X Optical brightener X pH 6-8 8-12 1-3 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 6

Example 6 differs from Example 1 in that chamber 2 additionally contains a bleach catalyst.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme X Enzyme stabilizer X Bleach X Bleach catalyst X Surfactant X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X X pH 6-8 8-12 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 7

Example 7 differs from Example 1 in that chamber 1 and chamber 2 additionally contain a foam inhibitor.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme X Enzyme stabilizer X Bleach X Surfactant X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X X Foam inhibitor X X pH 6-8 8-12 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 8

Example 8 differs from Example 1 in that chamber 1 and chamber 2 additionally contain a dye transfer inhibitor.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme X Enzyme stabilizer X Bleach X Surfactant X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X X Dye transfer inhibitor X X pH 6-8 8-12 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 9

Example 9 differs from Example 1 in that chamber 3 additionally contains an ironing aid.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme X Enzyme stabilizer X Bleach X Surfactant X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X Ironing aid X pH 6-8 8-12 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 10

Example 10 differs from Example 1 in that the preparation stored in chamber 1 exhibits a substantially acidic pH value of 3-7, preferably of 3-6. Dispensing a first, acidic preparation may prevent the formation and deposition of sparingly soluble deodorant components (aluminum salts) by elevated pH values, such that such soiling may readily be removed by the surfactants and enzymes which are present in the acidic environment.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme X Enzyme stabilizer X Bleach X Surfactant X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X X pH 3-7 8-12 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 11

Example 11 differs from Example 1 in that the bleach-containing preparation stored in chamber 2 is dispensed into the washing process at two different times. The bleach-containing preparation is preferably dispensed a first time between 10 and 30 min after the start of a washing program and dispensed a second time after the start of a rinse section, preferably 0.5-30 min, preferably 1-15 min, particularly preferably 5-15 min after the start of a rinse section. It is very particularly preferred not to dispense the bleach-containing preparation from the second chamber simultaneously with, but instead with a time delay relative to the scent-containing preparation from the third chamber after the start of the rinse section.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme X Enzyme stabilizer X Bleach X Surfactant X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X X pH 3-7 8-12 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min and After start of after start of a rinse section a rinse section

EXAMPLE 12

Example 12 shows in the following table a first assignment of products to three reservoirs and/or chambers of a reservoir. The first chamber is here configured as the first enzyme chamber, the second chamber as the second enzyme chamber, the enzyme preparations of the first and second chambers being different from one another and the third chamber being configured as a scent chamber. It is very particularly preferable for the first chamber to store at least one enzyme, selected from the group of amylases, mannanases, cellulases, lipases and/or pectate lyases and at least one surfactant and/or complexing agent at a pH value of 6-8 and for the second chamber to store at least one protease and at least one surfactant and/or complexing agent at a pH value of 6-8.

Further components of respective chambers are stated in the following table.

Chamber 1 has a substantially neutral pH value of between 6 and 8, chamber 2 preferably has a substantially neutral pH value of 6-8 and chamber 3 has a substantially neutral pH value of between 6 and 8.

Chamber 1 is dispensed in a time interval immediately at the start until 15 min after the start of a washing program. The second chamber is dispensed between 10 and 30 min after the start of a washing program, it being preferred for release from the first chamber and the second chamber not to proceed simultaneously.

It is moreover preferred for there to be a time interval of 0.5-30 min, preferably of 1-15 min, particularly preferably of 5-15 min, between dispensing from the first chamber and the second chamber.

The third chamber is dispensed after the start of a rinse section. The third chamber is preferably dispensed 0.5-30 min, preferably 1-15 min, particularly preferably 5-15 min after the start of a rinse section.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme Enzyme (no Protease protease) Enzyme stabilizer X X Surfactant X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X X pH 6-8 6-8 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 13

Example 13 differs from Example 12 in that chamber 3 additionally contains a component for improving soft handle in the form of at least one surfactant, preferably a cationic surfactant. Suitable polymers may alternatively or additionally be used for improving soft handle.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme Enzyme (no Protease protease) Enzyme stabilizer X Surfactant X X X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X pH 6-8 6-8 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 14

Example 14 differs from Example 12 in that chamber 3 additionally contains an antimicrobial compound, for example a disinfectant.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme Enzyme (no Protease protease) Enzyme stabilizer X Surfactant X X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X Antimicrobial compound X pH 6-8 6-8 1-3 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 15

Example 15 differs from Example 12 in that chamber 3 additionally contains an optical brightener.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme Enzyme (no Protease protease) Enzyme stabilizer X Surfactant X X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X X Optical brightener X pH 6-8 6-8 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 16

Example 16 differs from Example 12 in that chamber 3 additionally contains an antimicrobial compound, for example a disinfectant, and an optical brightener.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme Enzyme (no Protease protease) Enzyme stabilizer X Surfactant X X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X Antimicrobial compound X Optical brightener X pH 6-8 6-8 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 17

Example 17 differs from Example 12 in that chamber 1 and chamber 2 additionally contain a foam inhibitor.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme Enzyme (no Protease protease) Enzyme stabilizer X Surfactant X X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X X Foam inhibitor X X pH 6-8 8-12 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 18

Example 18 differs from Example 12 in that chamber 1 and chamber 2 additionally contain a dye transfer inhibitor.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme Enzyme (no Protease protease) Enzyme stabilizer X Surfactant X X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X X Dye transfer inhibitor X X pH 6-8 6-8 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 19

Example 19 differs from Example 12 in that chamber 3 additionally contains an ironing aid.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme Enzyme (no Protease protease) Enzyme stabilizer X Surfactant X X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X X Ironing aid X pH 6-8 6-8 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 20

Example 20 differs from Example 12 in that the preparation stored in chamber 1 exhibits a substantially acidic pH value of 3-7, preferably of 3-6. Dispensing a first, acidic preparation may prevent the formation and deposition of sparingly soluble deodorant components (aluminum salts) by elevated pH values, such that such soiling may readily be removed by the surfactants and enzymes which are present in the acidic environment.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme Enzyme (no Protease protease) Enzyme stabilizer X Surfactant X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X pH 3-7 6-8 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

EXAMPLE 21

Example 21 differs from Example 12 in that the preparation in the first chamber has a substantially neutral pH value, while the preparation in the second chamber is alkaline, at a pH value of 8-12.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme Enzyme (no Protease protease) Enzyme stabilizer X Surfactant X X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X X pH 3-7 8-12 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

Example 22

Example 22 differs from Example 12 in that the preparation in the second chamber is alkaline, at a pH value of 8-12, and chamber 2 contains a bleach.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Enzyme Enzyme (no Protease protease) Enzyme stabilizer X Surfactant X X Bleach X Complexing agent X Scent X Salt X X Water X X X Solvent X X pH 6-8 8-12 6-8 Dispensing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After start of a rinse section

Any desired combinations of Examples 1-22 may, of course, be provided.

The dispensing system is explained in greater detail below with reference to what are merely exemplary embodiments. In the Figures:

FIG. 1 shows a first possible embodiment of the dispensing system 1 according to the invention. The dispensing system 1 consists of a dispenser 5 which is detachably coupled with a plurality of reservoirs 3 a, 3 b, 3 c. The reservoirs 3 a, 3 b, 3 c may be removed individually from the dispenser 5. It is also conceivable to provide the reservoirs 3 a, 3 b, 3 c as a cartridge which has three chambers 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, the chambers 3 a, 3 b, 3 c being separably or inseparably fixed to one another.

Within the dispenser 5, there is a control unit for controlling the dispenser 5, an energy source, preferably taking the form of a battery, storage battery or mains plug, and a pump which delivers the preparations from the reservoirs 3 a, 3 b, 3 c.

On the dispenser 5 is arranged a fluid line 7, through which the preparation delivered by the pump is guided to the dispensing drawer 8 of the washing machine 2. The free, distal end of the fluid line 7 is here positioned in the dispensing drawer 8. It is also possible to couple the fluid line 7 with the dispensing drawer 8 by means of an adapter provided for this purpose. This point will be addressed in greater detail elsewhere. A preparation dispensed from the dispenser 5 then passes via the dispensing drawer 8 into the treatment compartment 6 of the washing machine 2.

At the free, distal end of the fluid line 7, there is a conductivity sensor which detects the presence or inflow of water into the dispensing drawer 8 of the washing machine 2.

In the presence of a corresponding sensor value which represents the presence or inflow of water, the dispenser 5 dispenses at least one of the preparations from the reservoirs 3 a, 3 b, 3 c in accordance with a dispensing program stored in the control unit.

The fluid line 7 may in particular take the form of a flexible tube, preferably of plastics. In this manner, the fluid line 7 may be positioned in the dispensing drawer 8 in a manner which is simple for the user. The fluid line 7 may additionally be configured such that it is non-kinking, i.e. the conductor cross-section is substantially maintained even if the fluid line 7 is pinched for example by the dispensing drawer 8 or an object standing on the line. It is also conceivable to provide the fluid line 7 as a rigid duct.

Instead of or in addition to a pump, a vibratory atomizer may be provided in particular at the distal end of the fluid line 7, which vibratory atomizer is in particular configured such that it is capable of spraying preparation and detecting vibrations and/or noise from the surrounding environment.

FIG. 2 shows the dispensing system 1 known from FIG. 1, a separate fluid line 7 a, 7 b, 7 c being provided for each of the preparations to be released from the reservoirs 3 a, 3 b, 3 c. The free distal end of the fluid lines 7 a, 7 b, 7 c may be positioned in a dispensing compartment of the dispensing drawer 8 or in different dispensing compartments of the dispensing drawer 8.

It is in principle also conceivable to combine a plurality of dispensers 5 a, 5 b, 5 c to form a dispensing system 1, a reservoir 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, each containing a different preparation, in each case being coupled to each dispenser 5 a, 5 b, 5 c. This is shown by way of example in FIG. 3. Each of the dispensers 5 a, 5 b, 5 c in each case comprises a fluid line 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, the free, distal end of which in each case opens into different dispensing compartments 8 a, 8 b, 8 c of the dispensing drawer 8.

If preparations are to be dispensed from the dispensing system 1 into a dispensing drawer 8 of a washing machine 2, it is advantageous to provide an appropriate adapter 11, as is shown by way of example in FIG. 4, by means of which the fluid lines 7 a, 7 b, 7 c are detachably fixed in the dispensing drawer and positioned relative to the existing dispensing compartment 8 a, 8 b, 8 c of the dispensing drawer 8.

In addition to introducing a preparation into the treatment compartment 6 via the dispensing drawer 8 of a washing machine 2 by means of a fluid line 7, it is also possible, as shown in FIG. 5, to introduce a preparation into the treatment compartment 6 by means of a fluid line 7 via the door 9 of the washing machine 2.

The fluid line 7 here in particular takes the form of a non-kinking tube. The distal end of the fluid line 7 is here fixed to the inside of the washing machine door, for example by a suction cup or an adhesive.

A vibratory atomizer is provided at the distal end of the fluid line 7, which vibratory atomizer is configured such that it is capable of spraying preparation and detecting vibrations and/or noise from the surrounding environment. In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to dispense with the use of a pump since, due to the geodetic difference in height between the dispenser and the vibratory atomizer at the distal end of the fluid line 7, preparation is always present at the distal end of the fluid line 7.

It is furthermore also possible to provide interfaces 10 a, 10 b, 10 c on the washing machine 2 which permit coupling with the dispenser 5 in such a manner that a fluid connection may be produced via the interfaces 10 a, 10 b, 10 c between a preferably rigid fluid line 7 a, 7 b, 7 c of the dispenser 5 and the treatment compartment 6 of the washing machine.

FIG. 7 shows the dispensing system 1 according to the invention, which consists of the dispenser 5 and a reservoir 3 connected with the dispenser 5 and containing a preparation 4.

The dispenser 5 comprises a power source 13, a control unit 14, a sensor 15 and a pump 12, these components preferably being incorporated in a housing. The pump 12 is connected to the power source 13 via the control unit 14. The control unit 14 is in turn connected to the sensor 15, which forwards measurement signals to the control unit 14.

The pump 12 has a pressure-side fluid line 7 and a suction line 16, wherein the suction line 16 is connected with the reservoir 3 containing the preparation 4. The pump 12 accordingly delivers the flowable preparation 4 via the suction line 16 from the reservoir 3 into the pressure-side fluid line 7, from where the preparation 4 is released into the treatment compartment 6 of the water-conveying domestic appliance 2.

The reservoir 3 may comprise a pressure equalizing valve 17 which equalizes the pressure between the surrounding environment and the interior of the reservoir 3 when the pump 12 is pumping preparation 4 out of the reservoir 3.

The pump 12 may be driven by the control unit 4 in such a manner that the delivery direction of the pump 12 is reversed and preparation 4 still present in the pump 12 and the lines 7 and 16 is delivered back into the reservoir 3. This back-flushing may be of advantage in particular if the preparation 4 for example has a tendency to thicken and so clog the lines 7 or 16.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of the dispensing system known from FIG. 7, in which the reservoir 3 is connected to the pressure side of the pump 12. The pump 12 develops a pressure in the reservoir 3 by pumping ambient air into the reservoir 3. A valve 17 d may be provided on the preparation outlet side of the container 3, which valve permits release of the preparation 4 from the reservoir 3 only once a defined pressure is achieved in the reservoir 3. In addition, a non-return valve 17 a may be arranged in the pressure line 7 between the pump 12 and the reservoir 3, which non-return valve prevents the pressure which has built up in the reservoir 3 from escaping through the pressure line 7 when the pump 12 is at a standstill. The preparation outlet side of the container 3 is connected via a fluid line, which is not shown, to the treatment compartment 6 of a water-conveying domestic appliance.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

1. A dispensing system (1) for use in conjunction with a washing machine, dishwasher, or other water-conveying domestic appliance (2) having a water conveying line that conveys water into a treatment compartment (6) in which items are to be washed, the dispensing system comprising: at least one reservoir (3 a, 3 b, 3 c) for storing a plurality of dispensing portions of at least one flowable preparation (4 a, 4 b, 4 c); at least one dispenser (5 a, 5 b, 5 c) which is couplable with the at least one reservoir (3 a, 3 b, 3 c), which is configured to be positioned outside the treatment compartment (6), and which does not comprise any connection to the water-conveying line; at least one sensor, which at least detects the presence of water in the water-conveying domestic appliance, at least one apparatus, selected from the group consisting of a pump and a vibratory atomizer, for delivering or releasing preparation from the reservoir or dispenser, at least one control unit, which cooperates with the sensor and the pump or vibratory atomizer such that, if a defined sensor signal is present, which represents one or both of the presence of water and the operation of the water-conveying domestic appliance, at least one preparation is delivered from the reservoir or dispenser by means of the pump or vibratory atomizer, and at least one fluid line (7, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c), which connects the reservoir (3 a, 3 b, 3 c) or the dispenser (5 a, 5 b, 5 c) with the treatment compartment (6) of the water-conveying domestic appliance (2), such that the preparation (4 a, 4 b, 4 c) may be supplied from the dispenser (5 a, 5 b, 5 c) positioned outside the treatment compartment (6) of the water-conveying domestic appliance (2) via an orifice (8, 8 a, 8 b, 8 c, 9, 10, 10 a, 10 b, 10 c) of the water-conveying domestic appliance (2) connected with the treatment compartment (6) into the treatment compartment (6) of the water-conveying domestic appliance (2).
 2. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is arranged at a distal end of the fluid line (7, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c) protruding into the treatment compartment (6).
 3. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser comprises at least one additional sensor selected from the group consisting of a conductivity sensor, a temperature sensor, and an acoustic sensor.
 4. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the vibratory atomizer and/or pump is arranged at a distal end of the fluid line (7, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c) protruding into the treatment compartment (6).
 5. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of reservoirs (3 a, 3 b, 3 c), which each store different preparations (4 a, 4 b, 4 c), are coupled with the dispenser (5).
 6. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of dispensers (5 a, 5 b, 5 c) are coupled with in each case at least one reservoir (3 a, 3 b, 3 c), in each case different preparations (4 a, 4 b, 4 c) being dispensed by the dispensers (5 a, 5 b, 5 c).
 7. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein in each case one fluid line (7 a, 7 b, 7 c) is present for each preparation (4 a, 4 b, 4 c).
 8. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the orifice of the water-conveying domestic appliance connected with the treatment compartment (6) is a dispensing drawer (8) of the washing machine.
 9. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein an adapter (11) is provided, by means of which the fluid line (7 a, 7 b, 7 c) is couplable with a dispensing drawer (8, 8 a, 8 b, 8 c) of the washing machine (2).
 10. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the orifice of the water-conveying domestic appliance (2) connected with the treatment compartment (6) is a washing machine or dishwasher door (9).
 11. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the orifice connected with the treatment compartment (6) is an interface (10 a, 10 b, 10 c) between the water-conveying domestic appliance (2) and the dispensing system (1).
 12. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein at least three reservoirs and/or chambers of a reservoir are provided, which contain different flowable preparations, the first reservoir or the first chamber storing at least one enzyme selected from the group of amylases, mannanases, cellulases, lipases and/or pectate lyases and at least one surfactant and/or complexing agent, the second reservoir or the second chamber storing at least one protease and at least one surfactant and/or complexing agent, the third reservoir or the third chamber storing at least one scent and/or one optical brightener, and/or one textile-softening compound.
 13. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein at least three reservoirs and/or chambers of a reservoir are provided, which contain different flowable preparations, the first reservoir or the first chamber storing at least one enzyme, one enzyme stabilizer and one surfactant, the second reservoir or the second chamber storing at least one bleach, one complexing agent, the third reservoir or the third chamber storing at least one scent and/or one optical brightener, and/or one textile-softening compound.
 14. The dispensing system according to claim 12, wherein the dispenser is configured such that, in the presence of at least one sensor signal, which represents the presence of water in the interior of the water-conveying domestic appliance and/or operation of the water-conveying domestic appliance, dispensing proceeds from the first reservoir or the first cartridge chamber.
 15. The dispensing system according to claim 13, wherein the dispenser is configured such that, in the presence of at least one sensor signal, which represents the presence of water in the interior of the water-conveying domestic appliance and/or operation of the water-conveying domestic appliance, dispensing proceeds from the first reservoir or the first cartridge chamber.
 16. The dispensing system according to claim 12, wherein the dispenser is configured such that dispensing from the second reservoir or the second chamber is triggered after a predefined time of between 0.1 s and 30 min, preferably of between 0.5 min and 15 min, after dispensing from the first reservoir or the first chamber has taken place.
 17. The dispensing system according to claim 13, wherein the dispenser is configured such that dispensing from the second reservoir or the second chamber is triggered after a predefined time of between 0.1 s and 30 min, preferably of between 0.5 min and 15 min, after dispensing from the first reservoir or the first chamber has taken place.
 18. A method of releasing preparations into the interior of a water-conveying domestic appliance comprising: at least one dispenser with at least one sensor, which is suitable for detecting the presence of water in the interior of the washing machine and at least one reservoir couplable with the dispenser, the reservoir comprising at least three chambers and/or at least three reservoirs being provided, which contain different flowable preparations, the first chamber storing at least one enzyme, one enzyme stabilizer and one surfactant, the second chamber either storing at least one bleach and/or one complexing agent or the second chamber storing at least one protease and at least one surfactant and/or complexing agent, the third chamber storing at least one scent and/or one optical brightener, the method comprising: dispensing flowable preparation from the first chamber in the presence of at least one sensor signal which represents the presence of water in the interior of the washing machine, and dispensing another flowable preparation from the second chamber, which dispensing is triggered after a predefined time of between 0.1 s and 30 min, after dispensing from the first cartridge chamber has taken place. 